How to Seal Marine Water Tanks

With the invention of nontoxic 100 percent silicone, marine tanks can now be built and sealed without the need for heavy metal frames. As the salt water spray from filters and aeration also caused these metal rims to rust and pollute the marine water, a silicone seal has considerable benefits over the original putty sealed and metal framed aquariums. Silicone, however, ages and may need replacing in tanks older than 10 years. The silicone seal will also need to be reapplied if one of the glass panes breaks and requires replacing.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 x 300 ml tube nontoxic 100 percent silicone (for a 300-liter aquarium)
  • Emery paper
  • Roll of paper towel
  • Acetone
  • Single-edge razor blade
  • Duct tape
  • Table or work bench
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Small bowl
  • Latex gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all the original silicone (if the entire tank is to be resealed), by cutting it away with the razor blade. It is always preferred to remove all the old silicone and take the glass panes apart, as fresh silicone will not correctly adhere to old silicone and the aquarium may begin leaking. Discard the metal frame and retain the five glass panes.

    • 2

      Lay each of the loose glass panes on the table or work bench and clean each piece, using acetone and paper towels, paying particular attention to the edges along which the new silicone will be placed.

    • 3

      Pre-cut 12 pieces of duct tape approximately 8 cm long and stick them loosely to the edge of a table.

    • 4

      Apply a continuous and uniform bead of silicone along each edge of the bottom piece of glass.

    • 5

      Apply a continuous and uniform bead of silicone along both sides of the back pane and along both sides of the side panes.

    • 6

      Place the front pane of glass onto the base pane. Hold this piece in place with one hand and place one of the side panes in position on the base pane.

    • 7

      Secure the front to the side pane with three pieces of masking tape. Position the second side pane and secure it to the front pane, using three pieces of masking tape.

    • 8

      Place the rear pane of glass in position and secure to both side panes with three pieces of masking tape on each side.

    • 9

      Pour a small of rubbing alcohol into the bowl. Dip your thumb into the alcohol (prevents the silicone from sticking to your fingers) and smooth the entire length of silicone along each joint.

    • 10

      Allow the silicone to dry for 24 hours and remove the tape.

    • 11

      Fill the aquarium with water and leave it to stand for a full day. Use this time to check that the aquarium does not leak.